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The Journey - April 29, 2013

Does God Test Us? | 2 Chronicles 32:31

2 Chronicles 32:31
But when envoys were sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask him about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart.

Does God test us? Does God put things in our path to see how we will respond…to see if we’ll keep walking with him? Check out this snapshot from Hezekiah.

Hezekiah was riding a spiritual roller coaster. One day he was ruling the country with authority. The next day he was about to die. God miraculously healed him, but Hezekiah twisted God’s blessing into personal pride. The next day he repented. But God wanted to see what was really in Hezekiah’s heart. So he sent envoys from Babylon to ask him about the miraculous healing. Unfortunately, we learn in the corresponding passage (2 Kings 20) that the king failed the test.

So does God test us? Yes, but for this purpose. James says, “…because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:3-4). The tests God sends are not meant to tear us down, but to build us up. God is in the process of developing us today for what He wants us to do tomorrow.

Father, thank You for working in our lives to prepare us for Your great plans. In Jesus’ name. Amen.